Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is once again calling on Hoosiers to shine a spotlight on the individuals and communities that make the state thrive. Nominations are now open for the Chamber’s annual awards, which celebrate excellence in business, government, and community development across Indiana.
This year’s awards will be presented during the 36th Annual Awards Dinner, hosted in partnership with Meijer, scheduled for November 5 in Indianapolis. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, June 20.
“We’re eager to recognize the impressive recipients that make Indiana such a great place – showcasing Indiana’s brightest is always a highlight of our annual awards dinner,” offers Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO. “There certainly is no lack of worthy individuals and communities around the state so we hope to receive many nominations for our slate of awards.”
Each year, the Chamber honors a wide range of leaders and changemakers whose work improves the state’s economy, supports thriving businesses, and strengthens local communities. The awards include four distinct categories, each designed to highlight different types of leadership and achievement.
The Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year award goes to a standout figure in the private sector—someone who has not only advanced their own company but has also contributed meaningfully to the broader business environment in Indiana. This honor is reserved for individuals who demonstrate both visionary leadership and real-world results.
The Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year celebrates a public official who has shown exceptional dedication to improving Indiana’s business climate through government leadership. Whether at the local, state, or federal level, recipients of this award have consistently worked to build a more vibrant and economically strong Indiana.
Communities themselves are also recognized. The NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year award is given to a city or town in Indiana that has demonstrated outstanding progress in creating a more supportive, innovative, and prosperous environment for businesses and residents alike. It’s not just about growth—it’s about purposeful and lasting transformation.
Rounding out the group is the Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year award, which spotlights individuals whose work aligns with the long-term goals set out in the Indiana Chamber’s strategic plan, Indiana Prosperity 2035. These are the changemakers who think big, build partnerships, and push their communities or industries forward in new and creative ways.
Past recipients of these honors include CEOs, mayors, civic organizers, and entire towns—all united by their commitment to bettering Indiana. Now, the Chamber is looking to the public to help identify the next group of honorees who are making a real difference.
Individuals and organizations interested in nominating a leader or community can learn more and submit entries at www.indianachamber.com/annualawards. All nominees must demonstrate a clear and measurable impact within their respective roles and categories.
As the Chamber looks ahead to this year’s event, it hopes to showcase a wide range of inspiring stories—stories of dedication, innovation, and impact. With so much happening across the state, from economic development projects to new business initiatives, the 2025 awards promise to be a celebration of everything that makes Indiana a place to watch.
From business visionaries to government champions and community trailblazers, the Indiana Chamber’s annual awards continue to recognize those who go above and beyond to shape a stronger Indiana for all.
